Visit Rotterdam
The moment you enter Rotterdam, you know this isn’t a typical Dutch city. This city is bold. Wide streets, towering skylines, cutting-edge architecture and nonstop movement. If Amsterdam flows, Rotterdam powers forward. For any road trip through the Netherlands, this is the stop that delivers pure modern energy.
This is a city built for explorers. One minute you’re walking along the river beside massive cruise ships, the next you’re sipping coffee inside futuristic food halls or crossing the iconic Erasmus Bridge with the skyline stretching in front of you. Rotterdam doesn’t whisper. It makes a statement.
By day, it’s street art, rooftop views, indie boutiques and waterfront walks. By night, it flips into cocktail bars, underground clubs, late-night food spots and riverside lights that stretch deep into the dark. Neighborhoods like Witte de With, Katendrecht and Delfshaven all bring different flavors.
Rotterdam is forward motion. It’s wide open roads, fresh ideas and a city that rewards curiosity. Whether you’re here for a quick overnight stop or building a few days into your Netherlands road trip itinerary, one thing is guaranteed: Rotterdam hits differently.
Top sights to visit
- Erasmus Bridge The city’s most famous landmark links the north and south banks of the Maas River. It is especially striking at night when the lights reflect on the water.
- Markthal A huge indoor food market with colorful ceiling art and dozens of food stalls. It is the best place to taste Dutch snacks and international street food in one stop.
- Cube Houses These tilted yellow houses are one of Rotterdam’s strangest architectural sights. You can even visit the show house to see how people live inside them.
- Delfshaven One of the few areas that survived World War II bombings. It provides canals, historic buildings, cozy cafés and a peaceful village feel inside the modern city.
- Katendrecht Once a rough harbor district and now one of the city’s coolest areas. It is known for the food hall Fenix Food Factory, waterfront walks and hidden cocktail bars.
- Witte de Withstraat A lively street full of art galleries, trendy bars, restaurants and nightlife. It is the cultural heartbeat of the city after sunset.
- Het Park and Euromast A large green park at the foot of the Euromast tower. You can take the elevator up for a magical view over the skyline, river and harbor.
- ss Rotterdam A former ocean liner turned into a hotel, museum, and restaurant. You can explore the decks, engine rooms, and enjoy great skyline views from the harbor.
- Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen Tour the world’s first publicly accessible art storage facility. Its mirrored bowl shape building is a stunning piece of architecture.
- Kinderdijk Windmills Just outside the city you will find one of the most famous windmill landscapes in the country. It is an easy trip and a perfect contrast to Rotterdam’s modern skyline.
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History of Rotterdam
Rotterdam's story begins simply, established around a dam built in the 13th century on the small Rotte river. Its location near the North Sea destined it for trade. The city quickly grew into a crucial port, developing a strong connection to global commerce centuries before the modern era. Unlike Amsterdam, Rotterdam was always focused on industry, ships and business.
The city you drive into today is a direct result of historical trauma. On May 14, 1940, German bombing raids completely destroyed the entire medieval and 17th century city center. This catastrophic event changed everything. Instead of recreating the past, the city leaders made a radical choice: they would rebuild Rotterdam as a modern, efficient and forward thinking city. This decision allowed architects the freedom to experiment, creating the unique bold skyline that you witness today.
The rebuilding effort succeeded spectacularly, establishing Rotterdam as Europe’s largest and most technologically advanced seaport. It is officially the largest seaport in Europe and ranks among the top ten largest globally. This maritime engine powers not just the city but much of the continent's economy. The city's history since 1940 is one of continuous innovation, from its massive bridge projects to its experimental housing. Every modern building and highway connection speaks to this resilience and future focus. A road trip to Rotterdam is a journey for you to see what a successful city rebirth looks like.